than_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 7.29_o 30._o disannul_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o so_o many_o hundred_o poor_a infant_n who_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o we_o now_o plead_v belong_v unto_o and_o a_o practical_a anabaptism_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o many_o elder_n and_o brethren_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o late_a synod_n can_v yet_o obtain_v in_o their_o church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o case_n stand_v because_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v to_o caâ—fication_n which_o in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v put_v in_o practice_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o five_o proposition_n with_o peace_n and_o edification_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strong_a opposition_n make_v by_o these_o and_o other_o like_a dissenter_n when_o this_o matter_n be_v under_o consideration_n in_o the_o synod_n 1648._o the_o author_n of_o this_o preface_n know_v well_o who_o it_o be_v that_o profess_a he_o will_v oppose_v it_o with_o all_o his_o might_n by_o reason_n whereof_o and_o the_o dissent_n of_o some_o few_o more_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o that_o time_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o hard_a deal_n for_o brethren_n so_o strong_o to_o oppose_v other_o in_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v who_o be_v more_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n whether_o such_o as_o will_v practise_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n or_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v 2._o this_o neglect_n be_v not_o so_o great_a for_o thirty_o year_n as_o be_v object_v for_o in_o the_o former_a year_n of_o these_o plantation_n till_o the_o church-seed_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o marry_o and_o have_v child_n there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o five_o proposition_n which_o be_v now_o most_o stumble_v at_o beside_o some_o church_n have_v be_v in_o that_o practice_n for_o divers_a year_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o fall_v from_o our_o former_a practice_n as_o be_v object_v our_o principle_n be_v the_o same_o this_o be_v only_o a_o progress_n in_o practise_v according_a thereunto_o as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o institution_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n call_v for_o they_o as_o appeareth_z matth._n 9.36_o etc._n etc._n with_o 10.1_o etc._n etc._n so_o act_v 6.1_o &_o 14.23_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o 4._o when_o circumcision_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o travel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v omit_v forty_o year_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n be_v neglect_v so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o so_o deep_a a_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n three_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o viz._n that_o we_o admit_v all_o sort_n that_o be_v personal_o in_o covenant_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o now_o we_o deny_v to_o many_o except_o after_o covenant_v they_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n if_o this_o be_v regular_a than_o the_o other_o be_v irregular_a and_o bring_v guiltiness_n to_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o ourselves_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a imputation_n lay_v upon_o so_o many_o elder_n and_o church_n and_o without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o elder_n and_o church_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o their_o member_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o their_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n examination_n of_o they_o or_o at_o their_o admittance_n by_o their_o public_a profession_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a care_n and_o practice_n or_o afterward_o but_o because_o we_o do_v it_o not_o after_o covenant_v in_o person_n receive_v in_o adult_n age_n as_o well_o as_o in_o person_n receive_v in_o infancy_n that_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o deep_o guilty_a this_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o irregular_a charge_n some_o have_v object_v against_o our_o admission_n as_o over-strict_a but_o who_o have_v charge_v we_o with_o such_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o bring_v guiltiness_n upon_o many_o of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v such_o as_o make_v so_o loud_a a_o profession_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n of_o a_o sin_n to_o be_v tremble_v at_o upon_o so_o many_o elder_n before_o conviction_n thereof_o and_o their_o impenitency_n therein_o and_o that_o in_o the_o face_n of_o old_a england_n and_o new_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a and_o express_a rule_n of_o gospel-order_n matth._n 18_o 15_o 16._o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o four_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n viz._n that_o by_o publish_v this_o treatise_n they_o shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n the_o author_n plead_v possession_n of_o another_o manner_n of_o dispense_n the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o buy_v at_o a_o great_a rate_n the_o loss_n of_o native_a land_n father_n house_n etc._n etc._n he_o say_v that_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n be_v those_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n or_o question_v their_o right_n especial_o have_v enjoy_v they_o so_o long_o before_o this_o pleaded-for_a conversion_n of_o new_a england_n ans_fw-fr 1._o but_o do_v we_o indeed_o come_v to_o new_a england_n to_o put_v our_o posterity_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o god_n gracious_a covenant_n and_o ordinance_n and_o then_o to_o deny_v they_o and_o their_o seed_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o a_o loose_a end_n without_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o repentance_n unto_o life_n certain_o the_o profession_n of_o very_a many_o gracious_a and_o serious_a heart_n and_o their_o hope_n for_o their_o child_n be_v far_o otherwise_o yea_o of_o these_o that_o now_o dissent_n among_o we_o some_o i_o know_v and_o many_o more_o i_o may_v suppose_v leave_v old_a england_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o seed_n in_o this_o respect_n 2._o be_v not_o our_o child_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o synod_n plead_v only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o house_n it_o be_v the_o dissenter_n therefore_o that_o will_v rob_v they_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n 3._o the_o synod_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o preface_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v not_o own_o or_o baptise_v such_o as_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n be_v describe_v if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o child_n account_v self-murtherer_n discovenant_v of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o wrought_v faith_n and_o repentance_n visible_o in_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o adult_v age_n there_o be_v none_o that_o offer_v to_o disturb_v their_o possession_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o right_n and_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o other_o who_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church-seed_n which_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o house_n who_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n say_v and_o profit_n be_v much_o every_o way_n rom._n 3.1_o 2._o five_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v innovator_n and_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a minister_n be_v of_o the_o synod_n mind_n this_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a of_o some_o which_o be_v a_o large_a some_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o synod_n he_o must_v needs_o cast_v a_o double_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o elder_n affirm_v 1._o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o large_a in_o judgement_n as_o to_o soldier_n with_o parish_n church_n ans_fw-fr if_o this_o be_v mean_v in_o respect_n of_o communion_n with_o orthodox_n
case_n of_o these_o in_o question_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n set_v thereto_o before_o genes_n 17.7_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o therefore_o this_o own_v of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o a_o manifestation_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o and_o hence_o this_o be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o their_o membership_n but_o a_o duty_n of_o their_o covenant_n and_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o fit_v they_o for_o full_a communion_n except_o withal_o they_o hold_v out_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v thereunto_o a_o youth_n that_o have_v the_o constituent_a cause_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o some_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o thereby_o capable_a of_o all_o privilege_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_z marry_o give_v good_a assurance_n of_o land_n and_o the_o like_a a_o adult_n person_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o personal_a covenant_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o lord_n supper_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o except_o he_o have_v suitable_a qualification_n he_o will_v eat_v judgement_n to_o himself_o reas_n 2._o because_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v by_o personal_a covenant_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v in_o full_a communion_n act_v 2.41_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o adult_n age_n and_o also_o endue_v with_o eminent_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n do_v only_o by_o own_v the_o covenant_n manife_a their_o continuance_n therein_o the_o indian_n new_o convert_v and_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o may_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o baptism_n may_v yet_o need_v further_a preparation_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o have_v such_o eminent_a gift_n reas_n 3._o because_o this_o doctrine_n presuppose_v that_o what_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v in_o adult_a person_n come_v to_o baptism_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n ans_fw-fr this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n not_o to_o be_v baptise_a in_o adult_n age_n it_o suppose_v only_o that_o person_n baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o visible_a church_n may_v yet_o be_v unable_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n which_o here_o follow_v touch_v not_o this_o case_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o argue_v against_o the_o baptise_v of_o â—_z or_o that_o infant_n baptise_a may_v partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o five_o proposition_n propos_fw-fr 5._o church-member_n who_o be_v admit_v in_o minority_n understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o public_o profess_v their_o assent_n thereto_o not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n and_o solemn_o own_v the_o covenant_n before_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a this_o proposition_n say_v our_o brethren_n do_v stumble_v we_o most_o their_o reason_n be_v reas_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v three_o expression_n propound_v this_o swerve_v further_a than_o the_o other_o from_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o grant_v that_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o qualification_n be_v propound_v these_o only_a in_o conclusion_n be_v assent_v unto_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v that_o they_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o swerve_v most_o from_o it_o if_o this_o swerve_v most_o they_o have_v the_o more_o advantage_n of_o dispute_n against_o it_o but_o see_v they_o stumble_v so_o much_o at_o this_o i_o shall_v easy_o remove_v this_o block_n out_o of_o their_o way_n obj._n first_o say_v they_o in_o the_o former_a expression_n it_o be_v require_v they_o shall_v understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n here_o no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o so_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr as_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o as_o large_a as_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n both_o in_o the_o acceptation_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o orthodox_n divine_v phil._n 1.27_o when_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v they_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o when_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n do_v he_o let_v go_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o other_o ground_n of_o religion_n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n oppose_v to_o the_o fiâ—â—â—y_a dreamer_n that_o sin_v against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o sure_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n when_o our_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n 1648._o declare_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o england_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o savoy_n call_v that_o book_n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n do_v they_o not_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n except_v only_a matter_n of_o order_n but_o what_o need_v more_o instance_n when_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o book_n tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o few_o name_n that_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o person_n do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n sure_o the_o synod_n intend_v it_o so_o obj._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o expression_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o their_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o here_o only_o of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v aâ—s_n but_o if_o such_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_n after_o he_o shall_v not_o upon_o such_o examination_n appear_v but_o this_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o other_o qualification_n may_v not_o this_o suffice_v to_o show_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n what_o if_o the_o devil_n may_v give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o free_a but_o enforce_v and_o they_o want_v all_o the_o other_o qualification_n that_o these_o have_v obj._n 3_o the_o former_a require_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o any_o offence_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o here_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n the_o former_a viz._n offence_n comprehend_v original_a sin_n or_o any_o other_o commit_v against_o god_n or_o man_n jam._n 3_o 2._o scandal_n in_o lifâ—_n note_v only_o notorious_a sin_n and_o a_o course_n therein_o ans_fw-fr that_o they_o stumble_v at_o this_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o a_o very_a rigid_a principle_n whereof_o this_o treatise_n have_v too_o many_o for_o who_o ever_o take_v up_o that_o of_o original_a sin_n as_o matter_n of_o offence_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o brother_n for_o it_o or_o what_o rule_n have_v we_o to_o call_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o that_o or_o for_o all_o such_o word_n or_o action_n as_o be_v offence_n to_o god_n or_o man_n a_o practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v in_o that_o very_a place_n allege_v jam._n 3_o 1._o be_v not_o many_o master_n for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o pity_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a to_o require_v satisfaction_n for_o every_o offence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o love_n 1_o cor._n 13.7_o love_n bear_v all_o thing_n gal._n 6.2_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a luke_n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o offence_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o be_v scandal_n woe_n to_o he_o that_o scandalize_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o and_o impenitency_n in_o any_o such_o scandal_n deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n but_o repent_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o offence_n mat._n 18._o yea_o although_o such_o a_o scandal_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o notorious_a sin_n nor_o continue_v in_o but_o in_o one_o act_n so_o that_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v full_a as_o large_a
follow_v that_o because_o god_n may_v just_o cut_v off_o a_o man_n from_o the_o church_n for_o not_o believe_v or_o sin_n of_o omission_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o or_o that_o therefore_o a_o church-member_n by_o sin_n of_o omission_n do_v actual_o cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o visible_a church_n sure_o these_o be_v worse_o than_o farre-fetched_n and_o uncertain_a consequence_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o for_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n they_o say_v but_o without_o proof_n that_o these_o parent_n in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o god_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o answer_v these_o do_v outward_o and_o visible_o at_o least_o so_o walk_v with_o god_n love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n do_v account_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o visible_a covenant_n these_o profess_v the_o faith_n be_v not_o scandalous_a in_o life_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n submit_v to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n accept_v as_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a covenant_n deut._n 5._o when_o the_o people_n profess_v to_o obey_v moses_n in_o all_o thing_n god_n see_v they_o want_v a_o heart_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o how_o oft_o be_v the_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n though_o they_o want_v that_o upright_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v require_v see_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o 2_o king_n 11.2_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o 34._o and_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v charge_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o walk_v after_o baalim_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v i_o will_v demand_v of_o our_o brethren_n that_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o self-excommunication_n whether_o any_o member_n do_v excommunicate_v himself_o by_o any_o act_n that_o be_v not_o excommunicable_a or_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n if_o so_o let_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n for_o it_o if_o not_o sure_o these_o in_o the_o five_o proposition_n do_v not_o excommunicate_v themselves_o for_o no_o rule_n of_o christ_n will_v allow_v the_o church_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o ans_fw-fr 2._o the_o child_n in_o question_n say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o neutrality_n at_o present_a and_o such_o christ_n account_v to_o be_v against_o he_o mat._n 12.30_o they_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a rev._n 3_o reply_n mat._n 12.30_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v for_o christ_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n that_o say_v of_o christ_n mark_v 9.40_o suit_n better_o with_o these_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v for_o we_o as_o for_o rev._n 3_o christ_n call_v that_o lukewarm_a church_n a_o golden_a candlestick_n hold_v their_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n offers_z to_o come_v in_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o quick_a in_o discovenant_v lukewarm_a one_o as_o our_o brethren_n seem_v to_o be_v arg._n 3._o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o 1._o to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n will_v be_v to_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n in_o a_o worse_a case_n relate_v to_o their_o child_n successive_o than_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o do_v not_o straiten_v the_o gospel-dispensation_n see_v it_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o both_o sex_n which_o be_v not_o of_o old_a reply_n this_o indeed_o the_o anabaptist_n answer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n for_o such_o enlargement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o gospel-time_n will_v argue_v rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v enlarge_v in_o this_o point_n also_o and_o not_o therefore_o straighten_a here_o because_o enlarge_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v it_o object_v to_o a_o father_n that_o he_o straighten_a his_o wont_a favour_n to_o his_o child_n in_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o he_o shall_v answer_v not_o so_o for_o i_o have_v take_v in_o many_o adopt_a child_n will_v this_o answer_n satisfy_v or_o shall_v he_o say_v not_o so_o for_o though_o i_o keep_v my_o family_n with_o pulse_n before_o i_o now_o give_v they_o much_o better_a fare_n will_v not_o any_o man_n say_v so_o much_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_n to_o your_o child_n both_o to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o family_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o share_n in_o the_o better_a fare_v allow_v to_o the_o family_n just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n here_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o straiten_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o the_o keep_n of_o baptise_a especial_o covenant_v parent_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v the_o circumcise_a jew_n be_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o passover_n reply_n the_o circumcise_a jew_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n without_o suitable_a legal_a qualification_n viz._n a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n and_o fitness_n to_o eat_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o service_n exod._n 12.25_o 26_o 27._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o debar_v none_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o for_o want_v of_o gospel_n qualification_n ans_fw-fr 3._o gospel-time_n be_v in_o many_o respect_n time_n of_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o and_o therefore_o to_o build_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o largeness_n of_o jewish_a practice_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n see_v it_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v most_o to_o destruction_n reply_n 1._o we_o build_v not_o upon_o jewish_a practice_n ceremonial_a wherein_o that_o reformation_n heb._n 9.10_o do_v consist_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n but_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o that_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o viz._n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n exemplify_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o stretch_n of_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o life_n to_o be_v as_o broad_a etc._n etc._n sure_o god_n enlargement_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v the_o more_o to_o life_n by_o give_v to_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n the_o straitness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o life_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o restrain_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o few_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n now_o more_o than_o of_o old_a 2_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o proposition_n be_v to_o render_v the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o they_o be_v under_o the_o legal-dispensation_n contrary_a to_o jer._n 30.20_o ezek._n 37.25_o 26._o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v deny_v any_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o highpriest_n and_o temple-worship_n when_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o christ_n a_o thousand-fold_n more_o so_o here_o be_v like_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n reply_n the_o loss_n of_o shadow_n be_v nothing_o see_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o substance_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n it_o can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o real_a loss_n and_o the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n the_o great_a be_v the_o loss_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ans_fw-fr 2._o this_o do_v no_o more_o put_v they_o into_o a_o worse_a state_n then_o transmit_v the_o covenant_n now_o only_o to_o the_o next_o seed_n which_o before_o be_v transmit_v to_o remote_a posterity_n reply_n the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o transmit_v by_o the_o next_o parent_n to_o their_o seed_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v off_o by_o the_o lord_n he_o account_v every_o generation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n even_o in_o their_o worst_a time_n so_o that_o the_o transmit_v of_o the_o covenant_n and_o church-priviledge_n be_v still_o by_o
that_o have_v his_o promise_n annex_v shall_v either_o bring_v such_o youth_n to_o repentance_n or_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o treatise_n put_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o meaning_n upon_o that_o proposition_n as_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o vain_a to_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a personal_a nor_o immediate_a member_n whereby_o act_n of_o church-government_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o immediate_o upon_o their_o person_n but_o only_o reach_v they_o at_o the_o second_o hand_n viz_o by_o their_o parent_n as_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v pag._n 23._o and_o if_o excommunication_n that_o heal_a medicine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o save_v of_o the_o soâ—l_n may_v not_o touch_v they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o page_n 23._o yea_o if_o the_o foederal_n holiness_n of_o their_o person_n and_o so_o their_o covenant-interest_n continue_v no_o long_o than_o their_o minority_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o church_n discipline_n as_o be_v affirm_v page_n 37._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o church-government_n to_o reform_v such_o great_a many_z and_o prevail_a corruption_n of_o youth_n 2._o page_n 10._o our_o brethren_n say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o all_o what_o a_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o unbeliever_n shall_v by_o this_o change_n throng_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n and_o the_o child_n of_o stranger_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n to_o pollute_v it_o contrary_a to_o ezek_n 44.7_o 9_o ans_fw-fr 1._o whether_o these_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v count_v unbeliever_n or_o not_o will_v appear_v after_o but_o if_o the_o charity_n of_o our_o brethren_n will_v allow_v they_o no_o other_o term_n i_o pray_v who_o let_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n do_v not_o our_o brethren_n with_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o it_o and_o say_v they_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n communion_n in_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o if_o then_o they_o will_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n they_o must_v join_v with_o those_o that_o shut_v that_o door_n against_o all_o infant_n by_o which_o they_o enter_v for_o if_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n that_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o in_o proposition_n the_o five_o then_o sure_o they_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a by_o this_o with_o many_o other_o passage_n our_o brethren_n may_v see_v whither_o their_o principle_n do_v carry_v they_o so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o synod_n and_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o about_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n but_o about_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o fellowship_n wherein_o the_o synod_n doctrine_n admit_v they_o not_o to_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n but_o as_o they_o be_v regular_o fit_a neither_o do_v the_o synod_n continue_v they_o in_o that_o fellowship_n any_o long_a than_o they_o walk_v orderly_o without_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ezek._n 44._o speak_v of_o stranger_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o tobiah_n neh_n 13.4_o etc._n etc._n not_o of_o any_o israelite_n ver_fw-la 9_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o six_o consideration_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a deliverance_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o former_a time_n for_o new_a england_n they_o add_v but_o since_o the_o motion_n of_o this_o change_n what_o the_o lord_n deal_v have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v we_o leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a to_o judge_v we_o may_v glory_v in_o this_o new_a light_n but_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v prove_v but_o glory_v in_o our_o shame_n ans_fw-fr i_o have_v think_v that_o god_n gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o synod_n 1662._o in_o send_v rain_n so_o speedy_o and_o sweet_o may_v not_o only_o have_v take_v off_o that_o imputation_n of_o the_o drought_n unto_o the_o synod_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n but_o also_o it_o may_v have_v stay_v our_o brethren_n from_o such_o application_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o end_n i_o remember_v that_o when_o the_o popish_a canton_n impute_v the_o death_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la and_o â—ecolampadius_fw-la to_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o cause_v their_o trouble_n the_o historian_n have_v this_o observation_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v say_v he_o a_o pious_a thought_n to_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n of_o every_o event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o to_o determine_v to_o what_o end_v those_o event_n be_v direct_v by_o his_o high_a wisdom_n be_v not_o far_o from_o presumption_n man_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o religious_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v god_n love_v and_o favour_v they_o as_o much_o as_o themselves_o hist_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 60._o but_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o non-england_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o case_n can_v any_o prudent_a man_n say_v that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o new-england_n be_v not_o as_o great_a and_o wonderful_a in_o these_o last_o year_n and_o at_o this_o day_n as_o in_o former_a year_n and_o as_o for_o those_o afflict_a providence_n that_o have_v late_o befall_v we_o have_v we_o not_o have_v as_o heavy_a stroke_n many_o way_n former_o and_o have_v we_o not_o sin_n enough_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o humble_v we_o under_o the_o lord_n hand_n as_o deserve_v these_o and_o great_a evil_n but_o we_o must_v needs_o apply_v they_o as_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o this_o false_o so_o call_v change_v and_o brand_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o god_n eminent_a messenger_n among_o we_o as_o a_o new_a light_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o our_o shame_n the_o lord_n forgive_v these_o many_o harsh_a censure_n of_o the_o brethren_n thus_o have_v i_o pass_v through_o this_o unpleasing_a part_n of_o my_o work_n wherein_o if_o by_o clear_v the_o innocent_a any_o thing_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o accuser_n i_o hope_v the_o equal-minded_n reader_n will_v excuse_v i_o consider_v that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v name_v upon_o the_o elder_n and_o church_n of_o new-england_n and_o will_v have_v suffer_v in_o they_o shall_v not_o such_o unjust_a aspersion_n be_v wipe_v off_o they_o by_o a_o just_a apology_n have_v our_o brethren_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o synod_n with_o like_a love_n tenderness_n and_o moderation_n as_o be_v express_v towards_o they_o in_o their_o preface_n the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o scandalize_v as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v by_o these_o contest_v and_o i_o have_v spare_v much_o of_o this_o labour_n oh_o when_o shall_v we_o see_v brethren_n manage_v such_o dispute_n with_o that_o brotherly_a love_n ingenuity_n and_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o become_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o such_o harsh_a reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n chap._n ii_o concern_v our_o brethren_n answer_n to_o the_o main_a question_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o this_o treatise_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o concern_v their_o two_o proposition_n premise_v who_o doubt_v that_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v administer_v according_a to_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n be_v to_o find_v out_o how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n only_o these_o rule_n be_v too_o general_a and_o have_v a_o like_a influence_n into_o all_o controversy_n about_o gospel-ordinance_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o from_o scripture_n two_o or_o three_o proposition_n that_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o immediate_a respect_n to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o debate_n it_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o adult_n person_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v baptise_a shall_v hold_v forth_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n nor_o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o such_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o the_o very_a hinge_v whereupon_o our_o debate_n turn_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o the_o infant-seed_n of_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o cut_v off_o any_o from_o his_o membership_n
not_o to_o break_v it_o 2._o then_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n like_o the_o great_a sea_n to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o that_o have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v now_o strong_o plead_v for_o reply_n 1._o whether_o these_o be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o covenant_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o what_o be_v say_v for_o it_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n allege_v against_o it_o 2._o to_o deny_v communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o strong_o for_o solemn_z profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o proposition_n all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o church-seed_n manifest_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o covenant_n by_o such_o qualification_n if_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v want_v in_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n may_v be_v delay_v till_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o 3._o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o case_n deal_v very_o hardly_o and_o partial_o with_o we_o while_o so_o oft_o they_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o most_o scandalous_a person_n reprove_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o they_o discovenant_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o lay_v it_o deep_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v they_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n arg._n 4._o these_o parent_n be_v confederate_a visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o therefore_o their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a ans_fw-fr the_o parent_n in_o question_n be_v not_o such_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a visible_a faith_n which_o be_v require_v rom._n 14.1_o mat._n 12.20_o reply_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o true_a faith_n visible_o in_o some_o degree_n yet_o rom._n 14.1_o speak_v rather_o of_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o eat_v meat_n unclean_a by_o the_o law_n as_o ver_fw-la 2._o show_v that_o these_o be_v visible_a believer_n in_o some_o degree_n be_v thus_o prove_v reas_n 1._o charity_n may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n for_o it_o but_o nothing_o evident_a against_o it_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v say_v gratis_o and_o deny_v by_o we_o reply_n if_o our_o brethren_n charity_n can_v observe_v nothing_o for_o it_o they_o may_v then_o show_v something_o evident_a against_o it_o without_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o answer_v for_o in_o discovenant_v of_o regular_a church-member_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o thing_n evident_a against_o they_o as_o deserve_v church-censure_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o reas_n 2._o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a qualify_v but_o as_o the_o person_n in_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a tit._n 1.6_o ans_fw-fr every_o one_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n to_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n intent_n nor_o orthodox_n faithfulness_n be_v take_v for_o fidelity_n which_o may_v be_v in_o moral_a man_n reply_n nor_o do_v the_o synod_n so_o conclude_v there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o text_n than_o not_o give_v to_o riot_n viz._n 1._o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n 2._o educate_v in_o the_o faith_n 3._o not_o scandalous_a or_o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n 4._o not_o unruly_a but_o subject_a to_o government_n all_o which_o do_v suit_n well_o with_o the_o proposition_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v give_v by_o orthodox_n interpreter_n marlorat_n expound_v the_o word_n faithful_n of_o such_o as_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n taylor_n by_o faithful_a child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o least_o in_o external_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o make_v and_o reason_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v require_v in_o the_o child_n of_o church-officer_n something_o of_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o morality_n beside_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v frequent_o and_o common_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o synod_n sense_n viz._n for_o christian_a believer_n act_n 10.45_o 2_o cor._n 6.15_o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o &_o 4.3_o 10_o 12._o &_o 5.16_o reas_n 3._o child_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v frequent_o beginning_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o in_o young_a year_n as_o scripture-example_n and_o experience_n show_v hence_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n show_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a be_v in_o charity_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a reputation_n visible_a believer_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v extraordinary_a to_o have_v grace_n in_o infancy_n and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n for_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n reply_n 1._o the_o synod_n speak_v not_o of_o infancy_n but_o of_o young_a year_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o be_v object_v witness_v the_o hopeful_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o that_o die_v in_o minority_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o divers_a that_o hold_v forth_o seed_n of_o grace_n sow_o in_o their_o younget_n year_n 2._o we_o build_v not_o ordinary_a church-proceeding_n immediate_o upon_o this_o ground_n yet_o these_o be_v church-member_n we_o may_v build_v church-charity_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o see_v some_o church-member_n of_o this_o sort_n have_v faith_n in_o reality_n all_o of_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v so_o repute_v in_o church-charity_n for_o so_o we_o judge_v of_o adult_n professor_n in_o the_o church_n we_o know_v some_o have_v grace_n in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o that_o sort_n till_o the_o contrary_n appear_v though_o in_o the_o general_n we_o know_v many_o be_v call_v few_o choose_v and_o what_o other_o ground_n have_v we_o of_o church-proceeding_n with_o church-member_n but_o church-charity_n reas_n 4._o these_o be_v regular_o in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o visible_a saint_n in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o account_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o &_o 14.33_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o child_n in_o question_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o parent_n be_v dead_a the_o child_n survive_v shall_v make_v a_o church_n enjoy_v ordinance_n choose_v officer_n which_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v incredible_a to_o deny_v they_o that_o power_n when_o their_o parent_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v from_o put_v it_o forth_o though_o they_o may_v for_o a_o while_n reply_n 1._o if_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v by_o put_v case_n that_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o yet_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o take_v away_o that_o none_o remain_v but_o such_o as_o these_o child_n by_o like_a reason_n one_o may_v prove_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o the_o man_n die_v they_o shall_v make_v a_o church_n choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v be_v deny_v yea_o thus_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v not_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o man_n die_v but_o one_o or_o two_o they_o can_v make_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n observe_v such_o a_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o for_o as_o mr._n cotton_n answer_v the_o anabaptist_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_o this_o let_v there_o be_v a_o due_a watchfulness_n of_o the_o church_n over_o these_o child_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o either_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o covenant_n will_v sanctify_v their_o heart_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o to_o prevent_v the_o pollution_n of_o his_o table_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o discipline_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n pag._n 161_o 163._o and_o have_v we_o thus_o do_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n such_o case_n can_v not_o fall_v out_o neither_o have_v there_o be_v so_o much_o need_v or_o use_v of_o this_o five_o proposition_n that_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o i_o fear_v this_o opposition_n of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v increase_v our_o difficulty_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v so_o much_o danger_n of_o these_o not_o be_v keep_v from_o put_v forth_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o be_v train_v up_o under_o church-discipline_n as_o in_o our_o brethren_n way_n who_o acknowledge_v they_o church-member_n and_o can_v rid_v their_o hand_n regular_o of_o